With heartfelt sadness, the family of Sonja Ann Shoup announces her passing on the morning of Sunday, August 24, 2025, at UPMC Hamot in Erie. Sonja, age 85, passed peacefully with her devoted husband by her side, following complications from lung disease.
Born on February 7, 1940, in St. Petersburg, Sonja was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Mary Logue Master. From her earliest years, she embodied compassion, resilience, and a strong work ethic—values that became guiding principles throughout her life.
A Life Rooted in Family and Community
Sonja spent her entire life in St. Petersburg, where she built a legacy of love, service, and devotion. She found her greatest joy in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her marriage stood as a true example of commitment and partnership, one marked by deep love, loyalty, and shared dreams. Friends often admired the quiet bond she and her husband shared, one that radiated warmth and mutual respect.
Her home was a welcoming place filled with laughter, the comforting aroma of her cooking, and the presence of family who knew they could always find love and support within her walls. Sonja took immense pride in her family, celebrating their milestones, cheering them on in their endeavors, and offering encouragement in times of challenge. To her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she was far more than a matriarch—she was a guiding light and a constant source of comfort.
Kindness and Faith as Her Cornerstones
Known for her gentle heart and selfless spirit, Sonja touched countless lives beyond her family circle. Neighbors, friends, and community members recall her readiness to lend a hand, share kind words, or simply listen when someone needed support. Her faith was central to her life, grounding her in moments of joy and sorrow alike. She lived with humility, gratitude, and a steadfast belief in compassion, inspiring those around her to live with the same grace.
A Lasting Legacy
Though her passing leaves a deep void, Sonja’s memory will endure through the lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience that will continue to inspire generations to come.
The family will announce funeral and memorial arrangements in the coming days, offering loved ones the opportunity to gather, honor her life, and celebrate the many ways she enriched the world.
Sonja Ann Shoup will forever be remembered not only for the years she lived but for the love she gave, the values she instilled, and the kindness she carried into every interaction.